August 24  St. Bartholomew

St. Bartholomew, 1st. century, one of the 12.

All that is known of him with certainty is that he is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and Acts as one of the twelve apostles. Scholars believe he is the same as Nathaniel mentioned in John, who says he is from Cana. Jesus saw him under a fig tree and called him an "Israelite...in whom there is no guile." The Roman Martyrology says he preached in India and Greater Armenia, where he was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages.  He is pictured in art with his own skin held in his hands.  (See below)

To Eat:  His martyrdom is not a very appetizing story, especially mentioned at dinner.   I tend to concentrate on the fig tree part and serve fig preserves over brie.  We also have a lot of fresh figs this time of year from our tree--so if I don't have the preserves made, I will slice figs and serve them on a platter.  

To Pray:

Prayer to St. Bartholomew
O Glorious St. Bartholomew, Jesus called you a person without guile and you saw in this word a sign that he was the Son of God and King of Israel. Obtain for us the grace to be ever guileless and innocent as doves. At the same time, help us to have your gift of faith to see the Divine hand in the events of daily life. May we discern the signs of the times that lead to Jesus on earth and will eventually unite us to him forever in heaven.